Rethink Robotics' human-friendly Baxter (pictures)

Baxter is a two-armed assembly droid designed to work for small and midsize businesses. Unlike most industrial robots it doesn't require a safety zone, so people can work alongside it.

Read More

People power

Rethink Robotics' Baxter is a low-cost industrial robot designed to help U.S. companies compete with cheap foreign manufacturing. The Boston-based startup is selling its people-friendly droid for $22,000, much less than the price of a traditional industrial robot.

Easy setup

Baxter requires minimal programming to get rolling and needs only an electrical outlet, according to Rethink. It can be taught what to do with a graphical user interface, or by directly manipulating its arms, and will be able to use applications in the ROS family of robot tools.

Reaching out

Working without a safety cage, Baxter can be freely moved around the assembly line. It's covered with soft materials in case it comes into contact with people. If it does meet a stray person, it will stop its motion to make sure no one gets hurt.